Rays nip Red Sox, avoid sweep

Boston, MA – James Shields pitched into the ninth inning and Evan Longoria drove in the lone run of the contest as Tampa Bay nipped Boston, 1-0, in the finale of a four-game series from Fenway Park.

Shields (2-0) let up four hits and a pair of walks while striking out five in 8 1/3 innings for the Rays, who avoided a sweep.

Cody Ross collected two hits for the Red Sox. Daniel Bard (0-2) was the hard- luck loser, charged with four hits and one run over 6 2/3 frames. The converted reliever fanned seven but also issued seven walks.